ALS Society of Ontario to raise thousands for people with ALS at LCBO stores this June

PRLog (Press Release) - May 20, 2009 -
A little change can go a long way.

Beginning June 1, LCBO customers can drop their spare change in coin boxes at all 605 LCBO locations across Ontario.  Proceeds benefit the ALS Society of Ontario. Donation boxes will be displayed at checkout counters until June 30. The campaign coincides with ALS Awareness Month, marked every June with fundraisers and awareness events nationwide.

ALS, also called Lou Gehrig’s disease, is a fatal and rapidly progressive neuromuscular disease affecting more than 1,000 Ontarians and their families. Approximately one-third of people with ALS are diagnosed by the age of 45.  Eighty per cent of those affected die within two to five years of diagnosis.  The average cost of equipment and care over this period is $130,000 per person with ALS.

“ALS is a devastating disease physically, emotionally and financially,” says ALS Society of Ontario President & CEO Maureen Sheahan.  “We appreciate this opportunity to raise funds and awareness to assist people living with this disease, as well as their families and caregivers.  We need Ontario’s help to raise much-needed funds for families living with ALS, as many struggle to manage the costs of this disease.”

The Society’s donation box features the Walsh family of Sudbury.  Garret Walsh was diagnosed with ALS in 2003.  Walsh, now 40, is fortunate to have a slower progressing form of the disease.  He is pictured on the box with his children Keatha, Cory and Joey, and wife, Mary-Anne, who organizes the Sudbury WALK for ALS, one of 28 fundraising walks across Ontario.

“We are pleased to partner with the ALS Society of Ontario,” says LCBO President & CEO Bob Peters.  “LCBO’s customers have always responded generously to worthy causes, and we appreciate whatever they can give to help their fellow Ontarians.”

In 2009, the donation box program raised $1.3 million for the 26 provincial and numerous local charities that participate.

The ALS Society of Ontario is a non-profit organization committed to providing equipment and support services to people with ALS and their families, as well as funding research into a cure or effective treatment. The Society thanks the LCBO for providing this fundraising vehicle and LCBO customers for their generosity.  

For more information, visit http://www.alsont.ca.